A minister said that some remaining No 10 aides were “part of the problem. They have blocked us, micromanaged us and tried to interfere at every level”.
Henry Newman, a special adviser who has drawn flak from backbenchers and ministers over his reported involvement in several controversial policies, was expected to leave No 10 to return to work for his old boss, Michael Gove.
Mr Barclay, a former Treasury minister, is an ally of Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor, and his appointment is also likely to help thaw relations between No 10 and No 11 Downing Street.
Mr Barclay, a former whip, is seen as hawkish on the economy and kept a tight rein on public spending as chief secretary to the Treasury, under Mr Sunak, before joining the Cabinet Office last year.
One Tory source said: “He does get it and was very good at the Treasury. He will bring rigour.”
‘The changes I’m announcing will improve how No 10 operates’
On Saturday night, Mr Johnson said: “This week I promised change, so that we can get on with the job the British public elected us to do.
“We need to continue our recovery from the pandemic, help hundreds of thousands more people into work, and deliver our ambitious agenda to level up the entire country, improving people’s opportunities regardless of where they’re from.
“The changes I’m announcing to my senior team today will improve how No 10 operates, strengthen the role of my Cabinet and backbench colleagues, and accelerate our defining mission to level up the country.”
One minister suggested that Mr Barclay’s appointment could reignite the possibility of significant reform to the civil service, to help the Government drive through its policy agenda.
The minister said: “This is all very good news. Steve is one of the most sensible members of the Cabinet and really understands the need for administrative reform. He understands how you get things done and that it’s difficult to get things done.”
Mr Barclay added: “It is an honour to have been asked by the Prime Mimoster to serve as Chief of Staff for No10 Downing Street alongside my responsibilities in the Cabinet Office.
“I am looking forward to working with the PM, ministers and parliamentary colleagues on the issues that matter most to our country.”
